Thirty-seven researches were presented during the annual R4D pre in-house review last March 24 and 29 at the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC). Ten of these researches were completed, and twenty-seven are on-going.
The technical researches were presented on March 24, while the researches intended for farmers were presented on March 29.
The researches were divided into four thematic areas. These are biosafety, genetic improvement-animal genomics/genetic diversity and cryopreservation, genetic improvement-reproductive and cryopreservation techniques, and production management system.
“This activity is an avenue for sharing of research results among PCC researchers,” Dr. Annabelle Sarabia, R4D Coordinator, said.
The studies presented were evaluated in preparation for the in-house review to be held in June, where these researches will be evaluated by external evaluators.
Some of the topics discussed during the activity were urea-treated rice straw as feedstuff for buffaloes, enhancement of buffalo milk production (feeding and nutritional requirement), the efficiency of ArtificiaI Insemination, animal healthcare practices, milk quality and safety assurance, as well as the modalities and projects that focus on strengthening the carabao-based enterprise development in San Agustin, Isabela and in the National (Nueva Ecija) and Regional Impact Zones.
Researches on the enhancement of milk production under the five projects funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) were also presented. These projects will serve as models for increasing milk production through nutrition, reproduction, health, and milk quality and safety assurance.
In his opening remarks on March 24, PCC Executive Director Dr. Arnel Del Barrio encouraged researchers to write more research proposals and assured them that the top management will support their research endeavors.
“Do not get discouraged [if your proposals do not get approved]. Continue researching and I encourage you to do more researches on nutrition and on improving the livelihood of our farmers,” he said.
He further encouraged the researchers to relay the results of their studies to the sectors of the society that need it such as the farmers.
